Easy Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe

Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is about to become your new favorite weeknight meal, bringing all the iconic flavors of that beloved sandwich right to your dinner table, without the carb-heavy bun! Originating in the vibrant streets of Philadelphia, the classic cheesesteak is a culinary legend, famous for its thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and sometimes onions, all nestled in a long roll. While we adore the original, creating a version that captures its essence while fitting a low-carb lifestyle has been a game-changer for many.

What makes this dish so incredibly popular? It’s the perfect marriage of savory beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and a rich, gooey cheese sauce, all baked together into a comforting casserole. Beyond its irresistible taste and satisfying texture, the beauty of a Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole lies in its sheer convenience. It’s an excellent option for busy evenings, meal prepping, or simply when you crave hearty, flavorful comfort food without derailing your dietary goals. I find myself coming back to this recipe time and again because it delivers big on flavor with minimal fuss, making it a truly brilliant way to enjoy a classic reinvented.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Steak and Vegetables:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 ½ pounds thinly sliced ribeye steak or sirloin, preferably partially frozen for easier slicing
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 bell peppers (any color, I love a mix of green and red!), cored and thinly sliced
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced (optional, but highly recommended for extra umami!)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
• For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup beef broth (low sodium is best)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For Layering and Topping:
• 8 ounces sliced provolone cheese or a blend of mozzarella and provolone
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for a richer top)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Preparing Your Workspace and Ingredients

1. First things first, let’s get organized! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives it time to reach the perfect temperature while we’re doing our prep work. Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and lightly grease it. You can use cooking spray or a little butter; we just want to make sure nothing sticks.
2. Now, let’s tackle that steak. If your ribeye or sirloin isn’t already thinly sliced, now’s the time. A little trick I’ve learned: partially freezing the meat for about 30 minutes makes it much easier to slice super thin against the grain. This ensures tender, bite-sized pieces in your casserole. Once sliced, set it aside.
3. Next, let’s prepare our veggies. Thinly slice your yellow onion. I like to get them almost transparent – this helps them caramelize beautifully. Core and thinly slice your bell peppers. If you’re using mushrooms, go ahead and slice those as well. Finally, mince your two cloves of garlic. Having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go is key for smooth cooking! This is called mise en place, and it makes the whole process so much more enjoyable.

Sautéing the Vegetables to Perfection

4. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. We want a good sizzle here. Once hot, add your thinly sliced onions and bell peppers. Stir frequently, allowing them to soften and begin to caramelize. This process can take about 8-10 minutes. Don’t rush this step; the caramelization adds incredible depth of flavor to our “Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole”. You’ll notice them turn a beautiful golden-brown and become wonderfully tender.
5. If you’re using mushrooms, add them to the skillet with the onions and peppers once they’ve started to soften. Mushrooms release a lot of water initially, so keep cooking and stirring until that liquid evaporates and the mushrooms start to brown. This could take another 5-7 minutes.
6. Once your vegetables are tender and slightly browned, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir it in and cook for just about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. We don’t want to burn the garlic, so keep a close eye on it. The aroma filling your kitchen right now is just heavenly!
7. Season the vegetables generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, dried oregano, and the optional red pepper flakes. Give everything a good stir to combine all those lovely flavors. Once seasoned, remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside in a bowl. This clears our pan for the star of the show – the steak!

Cooking the Steak

8. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Increase the heat to high. We want this pan screaming hot for a good sear on our steak.
9. Working in batches if necessary (don’t overcrowd the pan, or your steak will steam instead of sear!), add your thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin to the hot skillet. Spread it out in a single layer as much as possible. Sear the steak quickly, just for 1-2 minutes per side, until it’s nicely browned on the outside but still tender. Overcooking the steak here will make it tough, and we want that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Season the steak with a pinch of salt and pepper as it cooks.
10. Once all the steak is seared, return it to the skillet along with any juices that accumulated. If there’s any fond (those browned bits of flavor) stuck to the bottom of the pan, you can add a splash of beef broth or water and scrape it up with a wooden spoon – this is called deglazing, and it captures all that deliciousness! Turn off the heat under the skillet and let the steak rest in the pan while we prepare the cheese sauce.

Crafting the Creamy Cheese Sauce

11. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Using softened cream cheese is crucial here; it will blend much more smoothly.
12. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. You might need to use a fork to mash the cream cheese a bit first before whisking. This is going to be the creamy, cheesy base that binds our casserole together and adds that signature Philly cheesesteak richness.
13. Season the cheese sauce with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Remember, the steak and vegetables are already seasoned, so taste as you go!

Assembling Your Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

14. Now for the fun part – putting it all together! Take your greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
15. Spread half of your cooked, seasoned vegetables (onions, peppers, mushrooms) evenly over the bottom of the baking dish. This creates our first flavorful layer.
16. Next, arrange half of the seared steak over the vegetable layer. Make sure it’s distributed nicely so every scoop of casserole gets a good mix of everything.
17. Dollop half of your creamy cheese sauce over the steak and vegetables. Use the back of a spoon to gently spread it out, covering as much surface as possible.
18. Layer half of your sliced provolone cheese (or mozzarella/provolone blend) over the cheese sauce. Overlap the slices slightly to create a nice blanket of cheesy goodness.
19. Repeat the layers: add the remaining half of the vegetables, then the remaining steak, followed by the rest of the creamy cheese sauce.
20. Finally, top the casserole with the remaining sliced provolone cheese and then sprinkle evenly with the shredded cheddar cheese. This top layer of cheese will get wonderfully bubbly and golden brown in the oven. This is where the magic happens, creating that irresistible crust!

Baking Instructions

21. Carefully place your assembled “Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole” into your preheated 375°F (190°C) oven.
22. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the cheese on top is melted, golden brown, and delightfully bubbly. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to ensure the cheese doesn’t over-brown. If it starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
23. Once baked to perfection, carefully remove the casserole from the oven.

Serving Your Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

24. This is a crucial step for any casserole: let it rest! Allow the “Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole” to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together even further and the cheese sauce to set slightly, making for easier and cleaner serving. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
25. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. The vibrant green adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh herbaceous note that complements the rich flavors of the casserole beautifully.
26. Serve warm and enjoy your incredibly delicious, comforting, and hearty “Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole”! It’s fantastic on its own as a complete meal. This dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or for sharing with friends and family. It reheats wonderfully too, making it excellent for meal prep throughout the week. You’re going to love how satisfying and flavorful this low-carb twist on a classic is.

Conclusion:

As we wrap up our culinary journey with this incredible recipe, I hope you’re as excited as I am about the possibilities it brings to your table. If you’ve been searching for a dish that perfectly marries indulgence with mindful eating, then allow me to wholeheartedly declare that this Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is an absolute triumph and a non-negotiable must-try for your kitchen repertoire. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a revelation for anyone navigating a low-carb lifestyle, proving that you never have to compromise on flavor or satisfaction. Imagine the classic, beloved taste of a sizzling Philly cheesesteak – the tender, savory beef, the melt-in-your-mouth cheese, the perfectly sautéed onions and peppers – all transformed into an effortlessly prepared casserole that’s both comforting and incredibly healthy. This recipe stands out not only for its phenomenal taste but also for its sheer convenience, making it a dream come true for busy weeknights or a fantastic option for your meal prep routine.

I genuinely believe you’ll be amazed by how easily this casserole comes together, requiring minimal effort for maximum reward. The aroma alone as it bakes in your oven is enough to make your mouth water, filling your home with the promise of a truly delicious meal. It’s hearty, it’s wholesome, and most importantly, it delivers that authentic cheesesteak experience without any of the carb guilt often associated with traditional versions. This casserole truly shatters the myth that healthy eating has to be bland or boring. It’s a complete game-changer, offering a delicious way to stick to your dietary goals while still enjoying genuinely crave-worthy food. The combination of seasoned beef, vibrant bell peppers, sweet onions, and a generous blanket of perfectly melted cheese creates a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again because it simply ticks all the boxes: easy, delicious, and perfectly suited for a low-carb way of life.

Now, let’s talk about enhancing your experience even further with some delightful serving suggestions and exciting variations. While this Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is incredibly satisfying on its own, it also plays wonderfully with a few simple accompaniments. For a fresh contrast, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. The brightness of fresh greens provides a fantastic counterpoint to the rich, savory casserole. Alternatively, a side of steamed broccoli or asparagus adds another layer of healthy goodness and a vibrant pop of color to your plate. If you’re looking to maintain a strictly low-carb profile, a small serving of cauliflower rice or even some zucchini noodles would be an excellent, complementary addition, helping to soak up all those incredible flavors.

And the fun doesn’t stop there! One of the things I love most about casseroles is their versatility, and this recipe is no exception. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own. If you’re a fan of a little extra spice, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to your beef mixture, or even some thinly sliced jalapeños for a bolder kick. For cheese aficionados, consider experimenting with different varieties beyond the classic provolone or mozzarella; a sharp cheddar or even a Monterey Jack could add an interesting twist. Some readers have even told me they’ve added a few sautéed mushrooms or an extra bell pepper (or two!) of a different color to boost the vegetable content and visual appeal. You could also swap out the beef for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter take, though I personally find the ground beef delivers the most authentic cheesesteak flavor. The beauty of this casserole lies in its adaptability, allowing you to tailor it precisely to your family’s preferences and whatever ingredients you have on hand.

So, what are you waiting for? I wholeheartedly encourage you to roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and give this amazing recipe a try. It’s truly a testament to how flavorful and exciting low-carb eating can be. I promise you won’t be disappointed. Experience the rich, savory goodness for yourself, and discover a new family favorite that everyone will adore. Once you’ve made it, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you stick to the original recipe, or did you put your own unique spin on it? What were your favorite serving suggestions? Please feel free to share your thoughts, your successes, and any creative variations you came up with in the comments below. Your feedback and personal touches inspire me and countless other home cooks in our vibrant culinary community. Let’s celebrate delicious, healthy eating together – happy cooking!

Easy Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole brings all the iconic flavors of the beloved sandwich right to your dinner table, without the carb-heavy bun! This dish is a perfect marriage of savory ground beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and a rich, gooey cheese sauce, all baked into a comforting casserole. It’s an excellent option for busy evenings, meal prepping, or simply when you crave hearty, flavorful comfort food without derailing your dietary goals.

Prep Time
20 Minutes

Cook Time
35 Minutes

Total Time
65 Minutes

Servings
6-8 servings

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 preferred)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 large bell peppers (green, red, or mixed), diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 oz provolone cheese, sliced
• 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Step 2
   Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and bell peppers; sauté for 8-10 minutes until softened and beginning to caramelize. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper. Remove vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3
   In the same skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart, until fully browned. Drain any excess fat. Season the cooked ground beef with salt and pepper.
4. Step 4
   In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps.
5. Step 5
   Spread half of the cooked vegetables evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the cooked ground beef. Dollop half of the cream cheese mixture over the beef, then layer half of the sliced provolone cheese over the cream cheese.
6. Step 6
   Repeat the layers: add the remaining half of the vegetables, then the remaining ground beef, followed by the rest of the creamy cheese mixture. Finally, top the casserole with the remaining sliced provolone cheese and then sprinkle evenly with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Step 7
   Carefully place the assembled casserole into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the cheese on top is melted, golden brown, and delightfully bubbly.
8. Step 8
   Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the cheese sauce to set. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, then serve warm.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.